Free standing pillow that mimics a headboard

ABSTRACT

A free-standing head support apparatus includes a soft, foam-like material with a front, a back and a base. The back is adapted to rest against a vertical surface, and the base is adapted to rest against an approximately horizontal surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/825,653, filed on Jun. 29, 2010 and published as US 2010/0325801 A1, which ‘653 application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/221,480, filed Jun. 29, 2009. Each of the foregoing U.S. patent applications and U.S. patent application publications is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Furthermore, a copy of U.S. provisional patent application serial number 61/221,480, filed Jun. 29, 2009, is attached hereto as Appendix A, which is likewise expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to decorative pillows, specifically to pillows that imitate headboards.

A need exists for improvement in faux headboards that are both functional and decorative. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of decorative pillows, the present invention is not limited to use only in decorative pillows, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a wedge-shaped, free-standing head support apparatus as shown and described. Furthermore, in this aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes the general appearance of a headboard.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the apparatus is constructed of a soft, foam-like material. Another feature of this aspect of the current invention includes the apparatus as resembling pre-existing headboard designs. Yet another feature includes the apparatus as resembling a regency-style headboard. A further feature includes a pillowcase-type cover enclosing the apparatus that is removable and/or washable. Yet still another feature includes an apparatus having a base that is between 6 and 8 inches in thickness that tapers to a thickness of 1 inch at the top. Another feature of this aspect includes the apparatus having a width that is equal to that of standard bed sizes. A further feature includes a pocket.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a free-standing head support apparatus. An exemplary such apparatus includes a soft, foam-like material including a front, a back and a base. Additionally, the back is adapted to rest against a vertical surface, and the base is adapted to rest against an approximately horizontal surface.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the approximately horizontal surface is a mattress. In another feature, the vertical surface is a wall. In a further feature, the vertical surface is a headboard. In yet another feature, the apparatus mimics the appearance of a headboard. In still another feature, the foam-like material is 20 kg/cubic meter normal foam. In an alternative feature, the foam-like material is 30 kg/cubic meter normal foam. In still another alternative feature, the foam-like material is 40 kg/cubic meter memory foam.

In another feature of this aspect of the present invention, the apparatus resembles pre-existing headboard designs. In another feature, the apparatus resembles a regency-style headboard. In another feature, the apparatus is wedge-shaped. In still another feature, the apparatus further comprises a pillowcase-type cover that is removable and washable. In a further feature still, the apparatus is foldable to facilitate ease in storage. In an additional feature, the apparatus may be rolled to facilitate easy storage. In yet another feature, the apparatus is rolled and vacuum-sealed in a plastic wrapper to facilitate easy storage.

In an additional feature of the present invention, the apparatus is between 6-inches and 8-inches thick at the base. In another feature, the apparatus is approximately 1-inch thick at a topmost point. In still another feature, the apparatus is tapered between the base and the topmost point.

In still a further feature of this aspect of the present invention, the apparatus has width approximately equal to the width of a bed. In other features, the bed is a standard twin bed, a standard double bed, a standard full bed, a standard queen bed, and a standard king bed. In other feature, the apparatus includes a pocket. In further features still, the pocket is adapted to house a cellular telephone. In another feature, the pocket is adapted to house a television remote control device. In another feature, the apparatus further comprises upholstery.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a free-standing pillow apparatus that mimics a headboard in an upright orientation in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use on a standard twin bed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a alternate orientation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 within a vacuum-sealed wrapper.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a free-standing pillow apparatus that mimics a headboard in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an alternate perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an alternate perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a free-standing pillow apparatus 10 that mimics a headboard in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 that is wedge-shaped and made of a soft, foam-like material. The apparatus 10 has a front 12, a back 14, a top 16, and a base 18. The dimensions of the apparatus 10 can vary and may mimic the dimensions of different classic headboard designs, such as a regency-type headboard. One embodiment of the apparatus 10 includes a base 18 that is 6 to 8 inches in thickness that tapers up to a top 16 having a thickness of approximately 1 inch. The width of the apparatus 10 is the width of a standard twin mattress or 39-inches. Other embodiments of the apparatus have widths equal to the widths of full, queen, and king size beds. Alternatively, for larger beds, such as king and queen sizes, two apparatuses may be placed adjacent to one another.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the free-standing pillow apparatus 10 placed on a standard twin bed 20. The apparatus 10 provides head support, similar to a pillow. The apparatus 10 has a soft, foam-like construction that provides enhanced comfort to a user. The apparatus 10 may be used as an alternative or in addition to installing a real headboard to a bed 20. For instance, the apparatus 10 is placed at the head of a bed 20 with the back 14 placed against the wall behind the head of the bed 20. Alternatively, if the apparatus 10 is being used in addition to a headboard, the back 14 may be placed against the existing headboard. The apparatus 10 adds height, texture, and color to produce a much more complete-looking and aesthetically pleasing bed. A pillow 22 may be placed against the front 12 of the apparatus 10 to provide further support and comfort to a user.

The apparatus 10 may be comprised of many different types of materials, including 20 kg/cubic meter normal foam, 30 kg/cubic meter normal foam, and 40 kg/cubic meter memory foam.

Furthermore, the apparatus 10 may include a cover or upholstery. The cover may comprise various materials. For example, the cover may be comprised of 100% polyester 190 gsm fleece or 100% cotton 160 gsm knit fabric. The cover may be a pillowcase-type cover enclosing the apparatus that is removable and washable. The apparatus 10 may further include a pocket at various locations. This pocket can be sized to hold objects such as cellular telephones or television remote control devices.

FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the apparatus 10 oriented with the back 14 lying flat on a surface.

The apparatus 10 may be folded or rolled to facilitate easy storage. The apparatus 10 may further be rolled into a plastic wrapper 24 capable of being vacuum-sealed, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the free-standing pillow apparatus 110. This apparatus 110 resembles a regency-style headboard.

In alternative embodiments, the apparatus may imitate many different headboard shapes and styles. For example, the apparatus may be rectangular with rounded corners or semi-circular in shape.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. 

1. A free-standing head support apparatus comprising: a soft, foam-like material including a front, a back and a base; wherein the back is adapted to rest against a vertical surface; and wherein the base is adapted to rest against an approximately horizontal surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the approximately horizontal surface is a mattress.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical surface is a wall.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical surface is a headboard.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus mimics the appearance of a headboard.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam-like material is 20 kg/cubic meter normal foam.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam-like material is 30 kg/cubic meter normal foam.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam-like material is 40 kg/cubic meter memory foam.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus resembles pre-existing headboard designs.
 10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus resembles a regency-style headboard.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a pillowcase-type cover that is removable and washable.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is foldable to facilitate ease in storage.
 13. The apparatus if claim 1, wherein the apparatus may be rolled to facilitate easy storage.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is rolled and vacuum-sealed in a plastic wrapper to facilitate easy storage.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is between 6-inches and 8-inches thick at the base.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is approximately 1-inch thick at a topmost point.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the is tapered between the base and the topmost point.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has width approximately equal to the width of a bed.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard twin bed.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard double bed.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard full bed.
 22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard queen bed.
 23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bed is a standard king bed.
 24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a pocket.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the pocket is adapted to house a cellular telephone.
 26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the pocket is adapted to house a television remote control device.
 27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises upholstery.
 28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is wedge-shaped. 